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Phillip Island is ready to host the start of World Superbike and on the eve of testing we shared a long chat with Chris Gonschor. The German engineer, who is responsible for BMW's production-based motorcycle business activities, explained to us the whole issue related to the chassis that has been talked about so much over the winter.
As if that were not enough, we went back in time almost two decades, and then went into the future, trying to understand what is the Superbike to come.
In between, however, there is the present, which is the restart of the Championship after last season's triumph.
"Winning again is certainly a great challenge for all of us," he began, "In fact, we are looking forward to the restart, as we have been working hard to be ready. I think we have made a great effort over the winter and the new M 1000 RR is an improved bike that is ready to win."
For BMW it has been quite a tribulated winter between Toprak's injury and all the talk about the chassis.
"Toprak was injured and his absence bothered us. Those few laps we did in the dry at Portimao, however, were enough to prepare us. Compared to last winter, we had a little more work to do in less time."
How much does this new BMW change from last year?
"The engine has been optimized as well as the aerodynamics. I think the BMW is more agile now and performs better because of the horsepower we have."
Then there is the new chassis....
"That's right! We have a new chassis, completely standard, and we are curious to see it at work. We will make sure we have the best setup and be competitive right away, because that is the intent."
How much has the chassis-related story bothered BMW?
"The most important thing is that the rules are clear, consistent, without them being changed every year. I say that so that each manufacturer can be prepared without wasting time and energy. Once the rules are defined, all that remains is to follow them."
How different is the chassis from 2024? There is more talk about materials and stiffness than anything else....
"In this regard I cannot say more, because it is confidential information. What I can say is that the BMW is a Stock bike in its own right."
Toprak was the only one able to make a difference with the BMW, just as Bautista did in his first year with Ducati...
"Exactly! Toprak got the maximum potential from the bike exactly as Bautista did on the Panigale V4 in 2019. He learned a lot and we were able to have consistent performance. We are of the opinion that we can win again and we will see what the values on the track will be."
Do you think the margin is the same as in 2024 or has it shrunk?
"This year there are several new things, more data to build on, so as a result I don't expect a season like last year because our opponents have certainly optimized their efforts. I think it will be a good challenge for everyone."
There is a lot of talk that Superbike is losing what has been its philosophy for years, which is bikes close to the production model. Now they almost look like "road-going MotoGP bikes." What do you think about that? Is it the right way to go?
"The racing was exciting last season, and all this allows for incentives for development. I understand the fact that we are in front of more and more performance bikes, but in my opinion the scenario is the same as 20 years ago. I think of when there were bikes like the Ducati 916 and then we got to the Panigale. I think that the one taken is the right direction and combination."
You mentioned the Panigale. In 2026 the new one will arrive, are you worried?
"I'm curious to see it and I'm not surprised. I'm glad to see manufacturers investing in development. I think it's a good sign, just like Bimota did, since SBK is the ideal platform to showcase a manufacturer's work."
What do you say to those who consider the BMW to be a road-going MotoGP bike?
"The M 1000 RR is a fully-fledged SBK, made following the regulations, just as the other manufacturers have done."
With Melandri the title hopes faded away while last season you won with Toprak.
"I had an unfinished mission and I remember that World Championship well. Toprak's victory was the reward for the one lost with Marco. In recent years we have changed our internal strategy, taking advantage of the knowledge at our disposal. The test team also made a great contribution to speeding up the process."
How come Melandri didn't win that title?
"I think it was a combination of several circumstances. That season BMW announced that it was shutting down its racing activities. As a result there was a lack of focus on the championship by the team. The situation became inevitably complicated and there were several incidents. Nevertheless, it remains a good experience."
